NormanNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NormanTue, 18 Oct 2016 05:40:33 +0000Normanhttp://kgou.org
Dale DenwaltThe Norman Police Department is interested in buying a 20-foot-long, 17,000-pound armored vehicle. It's called the Bearcat, which stands for "ballistic engineered armored response counter attack truck," but city says it expects to use it primarily during natural disasters. Police spokeswoman Sarah Jensen told a city panel Thursday it would be used for rescues during floods and after tornadoes. She also said the $300,000 vehicle could be used to ferry officers and medics into dangerous situations, The Journal Record’s Brian Brus reports: The city’s finance committee was scheduled to discuss whether a Lenco Industries Bearcat could be purchased with forfeiture funds collected by the department. No action was expected other than a recommendation that the City Council allow police to go ahead with the order. . . . Opponents to the purchase proposal such as Normanite Steve Ellis said military-grade armored vehicles have no place in community policing because their appearance immediatelyNorman City Council Reconsidering Purchase Of 'Bearcat' Armored Vehiclehttp://kgou.org/post/norman-city-council-reconsidering-purchase-bearcat-armored-vehicle
84044 as http://kgou.orgSat, 15 Oct 2016 11:53:00 +0000Norman City Council Reconsidering Purchase Of 'Bearcat' Armored VehicleBrian HardzinskiRepublican presidential nominee Donald Trump will be in Norman Saturday afternoon for a fundraiser just a few blocks from the University of Oklahoma campus. Just leaving Miami for Houston, Oklahoma and Colorado. Miami crowd was fantastic! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 17, 2016The campaign hasn't formally disclosed the location, but The Norman Transcript reports it will be held at the home of Kathy and Hunter Miller. Kathy Miller is the daughter of retired OU football coach Barry Switzer: Details on traffic or road closures in the area have not been released. Sarah Jensen, public safety information officer with the Norman Police Department, said the U.S. Secret Service has requested assistance from NPD with security. According to Jensen, Trump’s visit won’t have an impact on traffic routes or parking. Heading to Norman to cheer on the #Sooners? Travel info here: . Plan ahead. Arrive early. pic.twitter.com/ODvpqPdRvF — Norman Police (@normanokpd) September 16, 2016DuringTrump To Visit Norman Saturday For Fundraiser With Oklahoma Business, Energy Leadershttp://kgou.org/post/trump-visit-norman-saturday-fundraiser-oklahoma-business-energy-leaders
82574 as http://kgou.orgSat, 17 Sep 2016 13:21:50 +0000Trump To Visit Norman Saturday For Fundraiser With Oklahoma Business, Energy LeadersBrian HardzinskiBuilding permit activity indicates Oklahoma's two major college towns are having a record year when it comes to commercial development. Stillwater saw its property valuation more than double from $34 million to $84 million between 2014 and 2015, and the city is already only $6 million away from passing that mark. Stillwater chief financial officer Melissa Reames (REEMS') told The Journal Record's Molly Fleming a lot of that is due to new apartment complexes for students: Other big projects include The Ranch retirement community, a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, three hotels, an expansion at the Stillwater Medical Center, and several new buildings at the Oklahoma State University campus. In 2015, Stillwater had 100 commercial projects. By comparison, Norman had 213 commercial projects in 2015, which was a drop from the previous year’s 284 projects. In Norman, the city has already seen more spent on commercial activity than last year. Norman's retail marketing coordinator Sarah KaplanRecord Development Year Likely In Norman, Stillwaterhttp://kgou.org/post/record-development-year-likely-norman-stillwater
81715 as http://kgou.orgSat, 03 Sep 2016 17:03:00 +0000Record Development Year Likely In Norman, StillwaterBrian HardzinskiVoters in Norman will decide on a stormwater plan Tuesday that would increase residents’ monthly utility bills. The city says the additional revenue will help deal with runoff created by heavy rainfall and property damage from flooding. It would also affect the quality of water in the Canadian River and Lake Thunderbird. The lake is the city’s primary drinking water source. But rural residents like Leslie Rard are concerned they’re being asked to shoulder an unfair share of the costs without seeing much benefit. Rard lives about eight miles northeast of Norman’s core. Her lengthy gravel driveway leads visitors to her five-acre lot just a few hundred yards south of the Oklahoma City border. “I have never had my driveway hold water,” Rard said. “Now when we had the flood last year, I lost most of my gravel. It washed off to the side of the drive. So to call this impervious, I just don't think is correct." That word – “impervious” – is a key part of the Stormwater Utility Plan. ResidentsStormwater Utility Vote Highlights Tension Between Urban, Rural Normanhttp://kgou.org/post/stormwater-utility-vote-highlights-tension-between-urban-rural-norman
81027 as http://kgou.orgMon, 22 Aug 2016 11:02:40 +0000Stormwater Utility Vote Highlights Tension Between Urban, Rural NormanBrian HardzinskiPermits to build apartments in Oklahoma are up 150 percent over last year. That’s a stark contrast to national construction numbers, which Federal Reserve economist and Oklahoma City branch executive Chad Wilkerson says fell by almost 10 percent. Builders are responding to demands in Cleveland and Payne counties, home to the state’s two largest universities. In those two counties alone, apartment permits shot up nearly 500 percent and account for the state’s entire increase in multifamily permits, The Journal Record’s Dale Denwalt reports: “If you take out Cleveland and Payne counties, multifamily permits in Oklahoma year-to-date are down 7 percent from 2015, not much different from the nation,” Wilkerson said. In those two counties alone, apartment permits shot up 484 percent compared to last year, he said. “If it was in places other than Cleveland and Payne counties, it would be a little bit concerning considering the overall slowdown of the state economy,” Wilkerson said. OklahomaNorman, Stillwater See Apartment Boom, But Construction Stagnant Statewidehttp://kgou.org/post/norman-stillwater-see-apartment-boom-construction-stagnant-statewide
80156 as http://kgou.orgMon, 08 Aug 2016 12:59:33 +0000Norman, Stillwater See Apartment Boom, But Construction Stagnant StatewideBrian Hardzinski If you graduated from the University of Oklahoma, and haven’t been back for a couple of years, you might not recognize Campus Corner. Over the past decade it’s been a revolving door of burrito restaurants (Moe’s Southwest Grill, Freebird’s, Chipotle, Chimy’s…) and many longtime staples (Cookies ‘n’ Cards, Pita Pit) no longer occupy the space along Asp Avenue north of Boyd Street. This fall, former University of Oklahoma head football coach Barry Switzer will become a regular presence just north of campus as his “Coach’s Cabana” color commentary program moves to the parking lot of Hideaway Pizza along Buchanan Ave. As The Journal Record’s Molly Fleming reports, it’s part of a growing trend of activity in the restaurant and entertainment district: Campus Corner Carousel; Edmond’s Business Conditions Combination Leads To Franchisee Boomhttp://kgou.org/post/campus-corner-carousel-edmond-s-business-conditions-combination-leads-franchisee-boom
77277 as http://kgou.orgFri, 24 Jun 2016 11:11:00 +0000Campus Corner Carousel; Edmond’s Business Conditions Combination Leads To Franchisee BoomBrian HardzinskiNorman education, civic, and business leaders are worried about employee recruitment and college student retention. They outlined their concerns Thursday at the Norman Economic Development Coalition’s annual summit. Norman Public Schools Superintendent Joe Siano said he understands that the school district is an important part of economic development. But the district needs quality teachers to remain attractive to families and businesses, The Journal Record’s Molly Fleming reports: The only time Siano mentioned state budget cuts was when he talked about how they affect getting teachers. The city had previously approved bond issues to fund facilities. He said the district felt the need for trained and qualified teachers this school year. In the past, the district had about three teachers with emergency teacher certifications. This year, it had 30. The state Education Department’s website states that emergency certifications can be used only when a district has exhausted every option toFinding And Keeping Quality Employees Key Concerns For Norman's Leadershiphttp://kgou.org/post/finding-and-keeping-quality-employees-key-concerns-normans-leadership
73603 as http://kgou.orgSat, 23 Apr 2016 21:54:00 +0000Finding And Keeping Quality Employees Key Concerns For Norman's LeadershipBrian HardzinskiVoters across Oklahoma went to the polls yesterday for mostly local elections. Here’s a brief recap of some of the more significant races we’re following: New Norman Mayor, Council Runoff Norman will have a new mayor and two new city council members, but two of the three candidates for the Ward 6 post are headed to a runoff. Ward 5 councilwoman Lynne Miller captured nearly 70 percent of the vote to succeed Cindy Rosenthal, who opted not to seek a fourth term. The Norman Transcript’s Joy Hampton reports Miller described herself as “superstitious,” and wouldn’t declare victory until a majority of the precincts reported: “I didn't know how much I wanted this until this minute,” Miller said. “I love this town. I am happy, I am humbled and I am scared.” Miller is a retired teacher and school principal who currently serves as the Ward 5 representative on the Norman City Council. She moved to Norman in 1946. An off year election will be held to find her replacement. It is unknown whether theMiller Wins Norman Mayor’s Race; Clark, Lang Headed To Ward 6 Runoffhttp://kgou.org/post/miller-wins-norman-mayor-s-race-clark-lang-headed-ward-6-runoff
72509 as http://kgou.orgWed, 06 Apr 2016 13:39:54 +0000Miller Wins Norman Mayor’s Race; Clark, Lang Headed To Ward 6 RunoffBrian Hardzinski One of Oklahoma City’s major energy producers unveiled its latest earnings reports earlier this week. It wasn’t good news – it really hasn’t been for any of the state’s energy giants as they continue to feel the effects of this nearly two-year downturn in commodity prices . On Tuesday, SandRidge Energy announced it lost $74 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 – down 58 percent year-over-year and missing Wall Street expectations. That all means they’re going to cut drilling back by 60 percent in 2016, according to The Journal Record’s Sarah Terry-Cobo: The driller has two active rigs in Oklahoma’s Mississippi Lime play and one in Colorado’s Niobrara play, according to the Tuesday regulatory filing. SandRidge started drilling its first well in its recently acquired Niobrara assets in January. It intends to drill 22 lateral well bores there in 2016. The company plans to cut back to one rig in each state in May. SandRidge’s spending plans depend on several variables, including commoditySandRidge Faces Bankruptcy Rumors; Norman Sees Significant Construction Boomhttp://kgou.org/post/sandridge-faces-bankruptcy-rumors-norman-sees-significant-construction-boom
72151 as http://kgou.orgFri, 01 Apr 2016 11:34:00 +0000SandRidge Faces Bankruptcy Rumors; Norman Sees Significant Construction BoomPatrick Smith The week before Thanksgiving, in a small building behind McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, about a dozen volunteers organized food and supplies into shopping bags The church-sponsored food bank is open every Tuesday and Thursday to serve Norman-area residents. Karen Toby, a volunteer who helps operate the food pantry every week, says since they aren’t open on holidays, most of the people come in on Thursday and the following Tuesday to get their food. “The way we do it is every 14 days you can get everything,” Toby said. “We have some people that come in and get ready-to-eat meals. They can come in every seven days for those. Some volunteers from the church, like Richard Dennis, have been working with the food bank for years and have become experts at the process- filling bags, reloading and restocking the shelves, whatever needs to be done. “There’s a group of us that unloads the truck and puts everything away, and there’s a person that does all the ordering and people toMcFarland Food Pantry Helps Feed Norman's Hungry This Holiday Seasonhttp://kgou.org/post/mcfarland-food-pantry-helps-feed-normans-hungry-holiday-season
65716 as http://kgou.orgSun, 20 Dec 2015 18:00:00 +0000McFarland Food Pantry Helps Feed Norman's Hungry This Holiday SeasonCourtney Kearby It’s a cool Tuesday evening at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Norman. Trucks and trailers are in the parking lot with watermelon, pumpkins, and other produce. Each vendor sets up a tent in front of a trailer. On their tables, staples are laid out in baskets and bags. Elza Elam’s table has a full array of produce for this evening’s market including tomatoes, okra and peas. Elam has made food her career. For 36 years, she was a food service manager at Reagan Memorial Hospital in Chickasha. Meanwhile her husband worked at the farmer’s market after leaving the oil field. “He couldn’t find any jobs around here so he started hauling watermelons, and he'd start in the Rio Grand Valley when they started in Texas and he'd haul watermelons and cantaloupes for years and sold to the stores and cafe's,” Elam said. The homegrown produce was refreshing to Elam after decades of preparing canned and frozen cafeteria food. On the weekends she was off work, she helped her husband with their farmerPutting Fresh Food On The Table At The Norman Farmer's Markethttp://kgou.org/post/putting-fresh-food-table-norman-farmers-market
61697 as http://kgou.orgSun, 18 Oct 2015 17:11:00 +0000Putting Fresh Food On The Table At The Norman Farmer's MarketLogan LaydenNorman voters in January approved a water rate increase to pay for much needed improvements at the city’s water treatment plant, and in 2014, the city council decided to meet Norman’s future water needs through reuse and wells, rather than rely more on purchased water from Oklahoma City. The idea is for Norman to be water independent. For now, however, Norman still needs the water Oklahoma City is selling. Norman used to only buy OKC water when it really needed it, like during a drought or heatwave, when demand was particularly high. But as The Norman Transcript‘s Joy Hampton reports, Oklahoma recently changed its water rate system and will no longer allow Norman to purchase water in emergencies. Instead, Norman will have to buy a certain amount of water from OKC every month: The new contract will charge less per gallon, but Norman must buy a minimum amount of water per month. The recent drought and population increases in the metro area pushed OKC to revamp its water rate structure. …Norman Wants Water Independence, But Still Needs Oklahoma City For Nowhttp://kgou.org/post/norman-wants-water-independence-still-needs-oklahoma-city-now
61740 as http://kgou.orgThu, 15 Oct 2015 18:58:40 +0000Norman Wants Water Independence, But Still Needs Oklahoma City For NowBrian HardzinskiVoters will decide Tuesday on one of Norman’s largest capital improvement projects in recent memory. Norman Forward is a 15-year half-a-percent sales tax that’s expected to raise more than $200 million for more than a dozen quality-of-life initiatives. But some citizens are concerned it’s too much over too long of a period. “We can pick the most popular projects and build slowly instead of trying to bite it off all in one chunk,” said Norman resident Jim Seifried. If Norman Forward passes, James Garner Ave. will extend all the way to Robinson Street. Sitting on a low brick wall next to the adjacent James Garner statue, Seifried says he’s still not convinced the new artery into downtown is necessary. “We have Gray coming in from the east. We have Main coming in from the west right off the highway,” Seifried said. “This is one of those projects that could wait for ten years, and we’d still be viable.” The James Garner extension’s price tag is about $6 million. That makes it one of theDespite Strong Support, Citizens Concerned Ahead Of ‘Norman Forward’ Sales Tax Votehttp://kgou.org/post/despite-strong-support-citizens-concerned-ahead-norman-forward-sales-tax-vote
61483 as http://kgou.orgMon, 12 Oct 2015 11:36:00 +0000Despite Strong Support, Citizens Concerned Ahead Of ‘Norman Forward’ Sales Tax VoteBrian Hardzinski For months, drivers around Norman have probably noticed red-and-blue "Norman Forward" signs adorning medians, parking strips, and front lawns. On Tuesday, the City Council approved an ordinance to put a half-penny sales tax on the ballot this fall that's more or less Norman's version of Oklahoma City's MAPS 3 proposal. Journal Record managing editor Adam Brooks says the 15-year sales tax extension's goal is to raise $209 million to fund revenue bonds. "Those would pay for lots of amenities around town, including expanding the Legacy Trail, building two new libraries, a new soccer facility, a new pool, upgrades to all the parks, and building a new center, though there's still some controversy about whether that would be placed in the old downtown library, or if they will get a brand-new facility for that," Brooks said. Norman's civic leaders hope the so-called "quality-of-life initiatives" will help bring in new businesses. Norman Chamber of Commerce President and CEO John Woods toldNorman Quality-Of-Life Plan Moves 'Forward,' New Life For Texadelphia, Big Dog Daddy's Sitehttp://kgou.org/post/norman-quality-life-plan-moves-forward-new-life-texadelphia-big-dog-daddys-site
57965 as http://kgou.orgFri, 14 Aug 2015 11:15:00 +0000Norman Quality-Of-Life Plan Moves 'Forward,' New Life For Texadelphia, Big Dog Daddy's SiteBrian HardzinskiThe City of Norman is starting debris collection Wednesday after tornadoes and straight-line winds caused heavy damage in the northwest part of the city a week ago. The city is working with TFR Enterprises of Leander, Tex. to remove tree branches, vegetation, trash, and other debris from the street right-of-way, which is definied as an area 15 feet behind the edge of the street. Crews will work seven days a week between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26 for the first pass. The second pass will be completed by Friday, June 5 for residential areas indicated by the map below: Commercial and industrial properties are not included in the service. The city wants residents to separate vegetative debris, like tree branches and leaves, from construction debris like lumber, shingles, glass, and metal. The two types may not be picked up at the same time, since separate trucks will gather the materials, and they'll be disposed of differently. Tree limbs and branches should be leftNorman's Month-Long Debris Collection Continues After May Stormshttp://kgou.org/post/normans-month-long-debris-collection-continues-after-may-storms
52306 as http://kgou.orgWed, 13 May 2015 13:53:02 +0000Norman's Month-Long Debris Collection Continues After May StormsBrian Hardzinski Tuesday night the city council in Midwest City approved a non-binding resolution rejecting a water proposal that would put treated wastewater back in Lake Thunderbird. The large reservoir about 10 miles east of Norman is shared by the two communities, as well as Del City. All three draw raw water from the lake, but two city officials disagree over how and where to treat the wastewater in the supply chain. “[Environmental Services Director] Bill Janacek from Midwest City says there's a risk of lingering chemicals and pharmaceuticals in the water, and that outweighs any benefits of fighting the drought or keeping the lake level high. He says that treatment can't get rid of all traces of chemicals, and so they shouldn't be put in the water supply,” says The Journal Record’s managing editor Adam Brooks. “Now Norman's utility director Ken Komiske says traces of these chemicals may be evident, but it would be monitored. And he said the study that Janacek cites that says things are dangerousChemical Controversy Festering As Norman, Midwest City Disagree Over Water Planhttp://kgou.org/post/chemical-controversy-festering-norman-midwest-city-disagree-over-water-plan
51585 as http://kgou.orgFri, 01 May 2015 11:33:21 +0000Chemical Controversy Festering As Norman, Midwest City Disagree Over Water PlanLogan LaydenWith concern over drought at a high point and plans to get water from southeast Oklahoma falling through, the City of Norman decided in 2014 to pursue a plan to clean water that has been used by customers and return it to Lake Thunderbird — the city’s main water source — to be used again. There’s a growing trend toward wastewater reuse to combat drought and conserve water sources for the future, but not everyone is comfortable with the idea of drinking what is, in essence, retreated toilet water. And Norman isn’t the only city that relies on Lake Thunderbird for its drinking water. The Journal Record‘s Sarah Terry-Cobo talked to Midwest City Environmental Services Director Bill Janacek, who says Norman can’t completely clean the wastewater it wants to put back into the lake: “Nobody can tell us what, if any, problems will evolve (from those chemicals),” Janacek said. He said he is concerned about chemicals, including hormone-altering agents from fertilizers and pharmaceuticals, thatWhy Midwest City Might Fight Norman’s Plan To Recycle Treated Wastewaterhttp://kgou.org/post/why-midwest-city-might-fight-norman-s-plan-recycle-treated-wastewater
51396 as http://kgou.orgTue, 28 Apr 2015 19:21:39 +0000Why Midwest City Might Fight Norman’s Plan To Recycle Treated WastewaterLogan LaydenAbout 60 demonstrators gathered in front of the Norman City Hall Wednesday evening before the city council’s oversight committee met to discuss changes to the Norman’s oil and gas drilling regulations. The Central Oklahoma Clean Water Coalition hosted the rally. Organizer Casey Holcolm says the current ordinances were written before fracking became so widespread. Holcomb said, "Norman’s regulations are actually way far behind many other communities in the nation, and even — behind even some communities in Oklahoma. Our regulations are not as strong as Oklahoma City’s and we need to go ahead and bring things up to speed, especially with the unconventional boom which has really changed the game." The oversight committee’s proposal to the full city council in early 2015 will include a ban on drilling in watershed areas that drain into Lake Thunderbird, Norman’s main water source and more stringent water quality testing for wells near drilling sites. Some demonstrators said they feltNorman Residents Want Input To Oil And Gas Drilling Regulationshttp://kgou.org/post/norman-residents-want-input-oil-and-gas-drilling-regulations
43442 as http://kgou.orgSat, 20 Dec 2014 13:12:00 +0000Norman Residents Want Input To Oil And Gas Drilling RegulationsAssociated PressSome Norman residents fear the city could lose a quaint part of the community if a 1950's neighborhood is razed to make room for a 4.2-acre apartment complex. Developers want to build 555 apartments that would include 915 beds in studio apartments or units with from one to four bedrooms. A parking garage would be built in the middle of the complex. The site is within walking distance of the University of Oklahoma campus. The Norman Planning Department held an informational meeting regarding the proposed complex Thursday night, according to the Norman Transcript. Some neighborhood residents raised concerns about the four-story complex. Much of the area in question includes rental properties owned by six different owners. ----- KGOU relies on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service with arts and culture reporting for Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department. Developer Proposes Apartment Complex In Norman Old Neighborhoodhttp://kgou.org/post/developer-proposes-apartment-complex-norman-old-neighborhood
38147 as http://kgou.orgSat, 27 Sep 2014 12:56:32 +0000Developer Proposes Apartment Complex In Norman Old NeighborhoodBrian Hardzinski The Lowry Room at the Norman Public Library filled to capacity Monday night, and a mass of people packed into the hallways to listen to a forum on hydraulic fracturing that included an OU scientist, an assistant city attorney, and a lawyer from upstate New York who’s helped communities there ban fracking. StateImpact’s Logan Layden moderated the event as each panelist made a presentation, and read questions from the audience. Dr. Robert Puls was up first, and went over some of the basics of fracking. Puls is director of the Oklahoma Water Survey and an associate professor at OU’s College of Atmosphereic and Geographic Sciences. His presentation focuses on how the fracking process works. Next, Leah Messner, assistant city attorney for Norman, made her presentation, which mainly was a review of the city’s code as it relates to oil and gas drilling operations. Her presentation came in anticipation of the following one, that of David Slottje, the New York attorney from the CommunityNorman Residents Hear About Possibilities Of Banning Fracking At Public Forumhttp://kgou.org/post/norman-residents-hear-about-possibilities-banning-fracking-public-forum
35704 as http://kgou.orgMon, 18 Aug 2014 15:46:05 +0000Norman Residents Hear About Possibilities Of Banning Fracking At Public Forum